121: They say this day marks the beginning of legend.

The next day, the ceremony to honor the heroes of Mauhgaria began.

Kyle was definitely getting some kind of reward, but I was a little uneasy—nothing had been explained to me during yesterday’s meeting.

It was an emergency ceremony, held not in the capital, but right here at Lord Bairoroad’s fortress.

I was impressed—this grand audience hall really lived up to being the residence of the Marquis of the Frontier.

“Didn’t hear it was going to be this fancy.”

“Actually, I’d say it’s on the small side for an official ceremony hosted by the King.”

Kyle whispered back, quiet as I muttered.

Kyle was dressed in an extravagant noble’s outfit.

Looks damn impressive.

“Yeah. You look good in it.”

“Thank you… but”

He glanced down at his clothes.

“The King himself gave me these robes… but honestly, I’m not sure they suit my station.”

“Huh? Looks sharp to me.”

"Like this... it's just..."

clang—gong—.

The sound of the bell cut off Kyle’s words.

Kyle’s father appeared on the platform, slowly raising his hand.

"From this moment forth, the Ceremony of Honor for the Kingdom of Maugaria shall begin. All present, stand straight."

I glanced briefly over my shoulder.

The ceremony was bigger than I’d expected. A massive crowd had gathered. Nobles from nearby regions were here too.

Sunlight streamed through the stained glass, casting a solemn, tense atmosphere.

I’d always laughed off stuff like this before.

But now, thinking back to what Kyle’s father had said—how lords use these grand displays to make their people fear them—I sort of get it.

The figure on the platform—Van… no, King Maugary, stood up from his throne.

Once the formalities and scripted pleasantries were done, finally, the real business began.

"Today, we bestow reward upon Kyle Gandar von Bairoroad, who has achieved the grand feat of developing the vast wetlands, established a settlement in uncharted frontier territory, built roads, and launched numerous industries. Step forward."

"Yes!"

Kyle straightened his spine and marched toward the king’s presence.

"Uuu… Master Kyle… you’re magnificent, truly magnificent!"

Persia wept openly, overcome with emotion.

"When I heard of your exploits in the wetlands, I regretted not having broken both of Alphard’s arms and legs to force myself to come along…"

Too scary!

"I must thank the gods that I was present for such a momentous occasion!"

"Alphard would be happy. You really should visit the church sometime."

I quietly play along with Persia, pretending to listen.

"Kyle Gandar von Bairoroad! I hereby appoint you the new Marquis of the Frontier!"

The nobles present murmured at Van's declaration.

The one who seemed most powerful among them hurried to request permission to speak.

"Your Majesty! I've never heard of the title 'Marquis of the Frontier'! That's—!"

"Newly established. Lower than a Marquis, but consider it equal to a Count."

"Wha—?! Nonsense! Even if it's new, it should be below a Baron, not above!?"

The noble spoke directly to Van, so his rank must be high.

I'd heard that Marquises were treated like Dukes in this country. Dukes were usually royal blood, so among non-royal titles, a Count was the highest.

Saying the Marquis of the Frontier was equal to a Count meant he'd essentially been given the highest possible rank.

No wonder he's panicking.

"Kyle was always Orthros's heir-apparent. Becoming Marquis of the Frontier wouldn't be surprising."

"Y-yes, but..."

"Isn't this proof I'm considering your feelings? Or should I name Kyle the new Marquis?"

"N-no! That's—"

That pompous nobleman gets easily swayed by Van.

"Since I became king, I've pushed for expansion and poured every effort into hunting down the monsters that hate humanity! Kyle is vital to continuing that mission now!"

Oh! Van's so cool!

"Ah... Lord Kyle... magnificent!"

I get Persia's feelings, but it's a little annoying. Looked closer—silent as always, but Alphard's expression was just as stiff.

"Kyle! I grant you the title of Count of the Elixir Frontier!"

Kyle's face twitched slightly, then hardened into serious resolve.

"I humbly accept this command."

"My name’s been a real headache, but it suits you—saved your life with elixir, after all."

"Grateful for the special consideration."

Elixir was just another name for elixir.

Vaan came up with that one.

Being named by the king himself? That’s the highest honor. I really am recognized now.

"Details will be sent to all the lords later, but I’ll say this now. The current territory of Lord Bairoroad will be split west and east. The western side will become the domain of Elixir Frontier Settlement."

At Van’s words, the nobles suddenly calmed down, smiles spreading across more faces than before.

I whisper to Alphard, who seems to know what’s going on.

"Why’d the nobles suddenly turn so welcoming?"

"They were jealous of Lord Bairoroad’s land being too big."

"Wait—wasn’t his territory almost half the kingdom?"

"Yeah, true. Though most of it was still untouched, troublesome land back then, before Goldendown was even a thing."

Even now, most of it’s still dangerous frontier, I bet. Especially the west, centered on Goldendown—man, that place is a real mess.

I was still fuming inside at the noble who’d flipped his attitude on me when, in the middle of it, Van was still talking.

“Elixir Settlement, right? Shall we call the town you’ll be staying in from now on Goldendown? Or do you want to pick a different name?”

The lord said the town’s name would be the one given to the capital-like place.

Since Lord Bairoroad’s name is Gandar, the town he lives in is called Gandar.

By the way, apparently if you move to a different town, you gotta change the name too.

If you absolutely have to stay somewhere else long-term, you’re supposed to fake it with a vacation house or something.

"I have no intention of changing it. I’m proud of the frontier village of Goldendown—the first one I’ve ever claimed."

"Good. Then from this day forth, you are Kyle Goldendown von Elquisil, the Baron of the Frontier! Strive for the kingdom… for humanity!"

"Long live the king!"

Kyle bowed deeply. Thunderous applause rolled through the hall.

More than celebrating him, it felt like some of the crowd were just glad Lord Bairoroad’s power was fading. But still, the birth of a new noble was always something to celebrate. Everyone offered their blessings.

"Lord Kyle! You’re magnificent! Magnificent!"

Persia’s crying too hard!

Wait—Alphard was bawling just as bad!

Don’t know the details, but they’ve known each other since Kyle was a kid. So the joy must be real.

Not just the two of them. Maina too. Raidock. The three sisters Casper. Jitarou. Leifan. Shururu. Professor Javir. Ryuuko. Everyone was sending their heartfelt blessings to Kyle.

I clapped so hard my hands were sore. Celebrating Kyle.

Kyle Goldendown von Elxir. Frontier Baron.

The day my proud little brother was reborn.

And the day a legend began.

—— Chapter Four Complete ——

Chapter Four done!

There's more to come!

Currently working on the plot for Chapter Five!

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